John Legend Reflects on Kanye West’s ‘Shocking Devolution’ After 2007

John Legend has expressed deep sadness and shock over the dramatic decline of his former friend and collaborator Kanye West, now known as Ye, whose recent embrace of antisemitism and Nazi rhetoric has alienated many in the music industry. Legend recalls their early friendship in the early 2000s, highlighting Ye's passion, creativity, and optimism, which helped launch Legend's own career through Ye's GOOD Music label and contributions to his debut album. Legend traces Ye's troubling descent to the death of his mother in 2007, noting a perceptible change in his behavior and beliefs after this personal tragedy, which has escalated in recent years. Despite Ye's public support of controversial figures like Donald Trump and his increasingly incendiary antisemitic statements, Legend refrains from psychoanalyzing him but acknowledges the stark contrast from the artist he once knew. Ye's recent actions, including releasing a song titled "Heil Hitler" and selling swastika-adorned merchandise, have led to significant backlash and distancing from former allies like Legend. The former collaborators' fractured relationship underscores the profound impact of Ye's shift in values and public persona on those who once supported him.